Congratulations! You made it! You survived and excelled in your student teaching. You are now a science teacher! If you would, take a few minutes to share your wisdom about how to negotiate this difficult year with the students who are following in your footsteps by answering the following questions.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
1. First and foremost, make a "BIG" impression the first time you meet your ct. Ask them when he/he can they spare an hour to get togeher with you and offer to bring a coffee. Dress professionally as they will make a judgement about you this very day!! You want to appear professional, mature and ready go! During this time, ask the necessary questions. Make this a "You" conversation and avoid the "I" word for today. GET TO KNOW YOUR CT. A Great, trusting Relationship/Friendship with your CT makes your experience so much more enjoyable and memorable!
Mix up the questions between some non-school related questions (i.e. what do you like to do in your spare time) and school related questions that should be prepared ahead of time. Thinking of it like a first date. You guys are feeling eachother out to see if this will work this year...
Sample Questions:
Have you ever had a student teacher before? And if so, what are some routines/processes/behaviors that worked really well and what didnt work?
What classes do you currently teach and what level are the students?
Does your school follow block scheduling and if not, what is the schedule and how long are classes?
When is your prep period in case I need to get in touch with you? What is your email and cell phone (EXCHANGE before you leave)
What is the procedure for visiting the school and what room are you located in?
When do you prefer me to come in each week?
Do you have a copy of the years sllyabus for the classes tha you will be taking over?
Which topics in each class will you be coverin when you take over? Write this down?
Would you be willing to share some of your lesson plans so I can get an idea of your teaching style?
Can I have a copy of the text books that I will be using (Preferably a teachers copy)
You will think of more...and the let the conversation be casual and relaxed....If you have time, ask for a tour of their classroom and school (ex. bathrooms, nurse, office & copyroom)
And before you leave...Thank you them for their time and express how excited you are about being there!
2. I know you are busy right? But make the time this fall to visit your classrooms (1 full day each week at each placement or alternate but spend most of your time at the placement that you are heading off to first). While you are there, make it worth your while....
Tips
Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes...(Ladies...do not wear short skirts or lower scooping shirts)
Introduce yourself to the office staff, explain that you will be student teaching for _
Ask the office staff where they prefer you to park during the visits
If you see the Vice Principal, Asst or Principal-introduce yourself
Wear the Name tag- Your MR. or Ms. _ now
When the teacher introduces you to the class, speak to them (Get practice)...Tell them that during the next few months, you are looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them.
The first few times (1-2) sit in the back of the classroom and observe your students style (Whats the teacher doing, what is the students doing, take some notes of wh you liked and didnt like)
Third visit--Jump in...Ask the teacher if it is okay if you move around, help students, ask questions during activities, pass out paperwork, pass back test, take attendance, grade some test
MAKE YOURSELF AN ASSET EARLY ON (MAKE YOUR TEACHER NEED YOU)
Alternate the days you go if there is block scheduling so you see each period and get to meet your students-(all of them)
3.
Get to know the students- look at them..do they have sports jerseys on? Do they have muscial instruments with them...Associate names with activties...Ask them if they are involved and make a connection with each..Maybe you also played this sport in high school. Learn there names. Make a joke telling them that you may ask their name 20 times due to your bad short term memory so apologize in advance.. Make relationships with your students But DO NOT MAKE FRIENDS..they still need to know that you are the adult and teacher. Dont be afraid to walk around the classroom and practice classroom management techniques ..for example, if you see a group talking about non-science content, ask them a question that pertains to the lab or activity to get them back on track. Practice and Practice some more!
4. Ask your teacher if you can practice being up in front of the classroom
-Start by reading off instructions to a lab or model an activity
-Next arrange a time to watch the teacher teach the lesson first and then try it the next period
-Ask your ct if you can create a lesson and try it out with one period (It is much easier to teach your own then trying to teach theirs)
-Try to get into this habit...EARLY!!! (BY THE BEGINNNG OF NOVEMBER)
Your students will get used to you being the "Teacher" and you will get used to being in front of the students, speaking aloud....No matter how good you think you are, you will sound like an idiot the first few times...Its okay......The only person that will remember that after your done is YOU! Bravo- for trying it.
If you do this stuff, early January when you start actually student teaching, you can jump right infor taking over classes...Trust me, it is a lot more fun then sitting back!!
5. Obtain Future lessons/materials from their folder or file draw for ideas for future lesson planning
6. Write down the Seating Chart a head of time so you can get to know your students
7. VERY IMPORTANT*
Visit OTHER TEACHERS..Listen, your teacher may be great but his/her style may not match yours. See as many different teachers (have your CT help you schedule this with others! You will get tips/tricks and possibly observe styles that make more sense to you. You will not have the opportunity to do this while student teaching or if you get a job. Learn, Observe and if you think about it...Its also a nice way for teachers to get to know who you are in the school.
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
You will have a Unit Plan to complete. Here is the deal......Look at the syllabus and speak with your CT. Find out what exactly you will be teaching the 2nd-3rd week you are going to be teaching by yourself the full period. (The first 2 weeks you will probably be co-teaching, or partically teaching so dont waste your unit plan topic for that time)
Strategically pick the topic for the 3rd week you will be teaching. You will want something that is planned out to follow opposed to writing lessons from scratch during student teaching when you are grading, and being busy busy busy!
Here is the honesty part.. ...You will put something together and in your mind wil; think that it is perfecto! It will not be. You need to be flexible. Know that your unit is a backbone but do not settle with it. Try it one period, tweak it the next for what didnt work. The timing thing....wil be way off. Your lessons will be a lot longer than what you have time for. Students will ask questions, your activites will take more time than you think they will. ITS OKAY. Just be flexible! Know that this is a backbone only....You will tweak, etc but at least it is there for your support.
WHAT IS KEY: That when you are done, you take the time to revise your lessson. After each period, or next prep, I would sit down and revise my activity hand outs, lesson plan or power point immediately after so that the next time I teach it, the quirks would be fixed.
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...."
My activity hand outs and lesson plans written 2 weeks in advance at all times. There were times this year that I would put something together the night before or two days before and it did work because that is how I operate BUT...this doesnt work for everyone especialy those who are still undergraduates who are not used to working a full-time job.
If you have your powerpoint slides, your activity hand outs and lessons printed, prepared for AT LEAST the following week (Buy yourself a milk crate style box at staples with hanging folders labeled Monday-Friday)...YOU WILL BE MUCH LESS STRESSED OUT!
What I would have done differently- I would dedicate one day in the fall (take a few hours) and create a lesson plan. By the time you start student teaching you will have an idea of what you would like to do. If you do not have time to write a full lesson plan with a full time schedule of classes or a job...then at least take each topic you will teach (using the syllabus), break it down to subtopics, look at the GSEs and start brainstorming activities/lessons that you will use during that topic. Use a planning calender and the text book to see how long each unit can be and what the text book covers...Then you will have a good idea of how many lessons you need to create for each unit.
The second thing I would have done in SEPTEMBER....IS RELAX!!!!!!!!!
I was mentally stressing myself out about this experience. Not about the amount of work but "Will I be a good teacher and "What If I screw up" , etc, etc, etc.....Dont stress yourself out...You will be fine....This will be one of the most amazing experiences you will have....Again if you follow my 7 tips of advice in section "A" then you will be just great!!!
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
Create a good relationship with your CT. This makes all the world of difference. Some of my classmates were less fortunate than me and didnt have a good relationship..If this does occur..My advice would be to Speak up and talk to Professor Fogleman early. You will know automatically if your match will work or not work..dont waste time..speak up....You want to make the most out of the experience but also keep in mind.
Make sure you get to school early as your CT does-You will need the time to Plan
Make sure you keep a binder of your activity sheets and lesson plans for the next year when you get a job!
Make your own lessons.....dont use the textbook crap worksheets and DONT use ALL YOUR CT's Lessons.....you want to make original lessons..Show your WORTH!
When you first start teaching, talk to your CT right after your lessson about feedback..How will you correct it, what worked, what didnt work..do this DAILY!
Jump in right away..I heard of students spending 2-4 weeks without teaching in the Spring..Jump in..get going....You will get more out of it
Take the opportunity to practice new skills, try different types of teaching styles, use different management techniques..this is the time to do so
Create your own Assessments (Dont use the test maker cd with the book- its crap)...Give students feeback on the tests and labs/homework
Dont be afraid to set up "Advisory Dates" or Lunch dates with students who are not working or behaving, get to know them, make a plan to get them on track
Go to lunch with the teachers..You will learn alot about the reality of teaching
Get to know your Dept Chair...Invite them to a class to observe..You will be able to get a good letter of recommendation from them
Give the agenda and home work the first five mintues of class because you will probably run out of time at the end and its a lot harder to get t students attention when they are engaged
During the first class you take over, go over what you envision for the year with th students..Tell them who you are, what your plans are with changing the grading or classroom rules, set expectations from the start (Have at least 2-3 of your own rules)...I was big on "when someone is talking, everyone else should be listening"
Give the students time to ask questions the first day you are there
Create a "Introduction Page about your arrival with your contact info for students to give to their parents
You want to pick the days you are going to absolutely stay after and post them on the board each week for make up tests, etc
Use your prep periods wisely...Copy for the ahead of time, grade tests while you are at school, lesson plan
If you use your preps wisely or you make a pact not to leave school until the week is planned or all test grades are done..once you get home "Its your time"
Go to bed by 10:30 each night and wake up an extra half hour early just in case you need to get gas, coffee, need to run to a 24 hour CVS for materials in the morning
Invite the Assistance or Vice Principle in on a big day when you are doing presentations or a good lesson (they will only stay a few minutes but they will KNOW WHO YOU ARE)
Do not assume the copy machince will be ready for last minute copies in the morning or before the period....So make sure do things a day in advance at least
Schedule time for your ocmputer lab way in advance...This books up super quickly....Plan accordingly
Remember that students are students, you are the teacher and you are setting the example for them.....Spread your positive attitude .
Visit teachers classrooms when you can (Observe styles, arrangements, management techniques, etc)
Ask for help or advice from CT if you need it.
Ask your CT how they want to review your lesson ideas/plans before giving them
Contribute something to your classroom (Materials or help out at an extracurricular activity, bring in a guest speaker)...DO SOMETHING TO BE REMEMBERED BY..
Dont be afraid to ask your Dept Head to order items for you assuming they have unused funds (i.e. cultures of microorganisms)
Dont leave school until your CT does.
Ask for recommendations eary from your CT and Dept Head....(give them at least 3 weeks) and keep your ears opened about new positions next year....
ENJOY THIS TIME. ITS AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE. YOU WILL HAVE GOOD AND BAD DAYS BUT EACH ARE MEMORABLE. YOU WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT TEACHING AND YOURSELF IN 14 WEEKS THAN YOU DID THROUGH YOUR 4+ YEARS OF COLLEGE.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
1. First and foremost, make a "BIG" impression the first time you meet your ct. Ask them when he/he can they spare an hour to get togeher with you and offer to bring a coffee. Dress professionally as they will make a judgement about you this very day!! You want to appear professional, mature and ready go! During this time, ask the necessary questions. Make this a "You" conversation and avoid the "I" word for today. GET TO KNOW YOUR CT. A Great, trusting Relationship/Friendship with your CT makes your experience so much more enjoyable and memorable!
Mix up the questions between some non-school related questions (i.e. what do you like to do in your spare time) and school related questions that should be prepared ahead of time. Thinking of it like a first date. You guys are feeling eachother out to see if this will work this year...
Sample Questions:
Have you ever had a student teacher before? And if so, what are some routines/processes/behaviors that worked really well and what didnt work?
What classes do you currently teach and what level are the students?
Does your school follow block scheduling and if not, what is the schedule and how long are classes?
When is your prep period in case I need to get in touch with you? What is your email and cell phone (EXCHANGE before you leave)
What is the procedure for visiting the school and what room are you located in?
When do you prefer me to come in each week?
Do you have a copy of the years sllyabus for the classes tha you will be taking over?
Which topics in each class will you be coverin when you take over? Write this down?
Would you be willing to share some of your lesson plans so I can get an idea of your teaching style?
Can I have a copy of the text books that I will be using (Preferably a teachers copy)
You will think of more...and the let the conversation be casual and relaxed....If you have time, ask for a tour of their classroom and school (ex. bathrooms, nurse, office & copyroom)
And before you leave...Thank you them for their time and express how excited you are about being there!
2. I know you are busy right? But make the time this fall to visit your classrooms (1 full day each week at each placement or alternate but spend most of your time at the placement that you are heading off to first). While you are there, make it worth your while....
Tips
Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes...(Ladies...do not wear short skirts or lower scooping shirts)
Introduce yourself to the office staff, explain that you will be student teaching for _
Ask the office staff where they prefer you to park during the visits
If you see the Vice Principal, Asst or Principal-introduce yourself
Wear the Name tag- Your MR. or Ms. _ now
When the teacher introduces you to the class, speak to them (Get practice)...Tell them that during the next few months, you are looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them.
The first few times (1-2) sit in the back of the classroom and observe your students style (Whats the teacher doing, what is the students doing, take some notes of wh you liked and didnt like)
Third visit--Jump in...Ask the teacher if it is okay if you move around, help students, ask questions during activities, pass out paperwork, pass back test, take attendance, grade some test
MAKE YOURSELF AN ASSET EARLY ON (MAKE YOUR TEACHER NEED YOU)
Alternate the days you go if there is block scheduling so you see each period and get to meet your students-(all of them)
3.
Get to know the students- look at them..do they have sports jerseys on? Do they have muscial instruments with them...Associate names with activties...Ask them if they are involved and make a connection with each..Maybe you also played this sport in high school. Learn there names. Make a joke telling them that you may ask their name 20 times due to your bad short term memory so apologize in advance.. Make relationships with your students But DO NOT MAKE FRIENDS..they still need to know that you are the adult and teacher. Dont be afraid to walk around the classroom and practice classroom management techniques ..for example, if you see a group talking about non-science content, ask them a question that pertains to the lab or activity to get them back on track. Practice and Practice some more!
4. Ask your teacher if you can practice being up in front of the classroom
-Start by reading off instructions to a lab or model an activity
-Next arrange a time to watch the teacher teach the lesson first and then try it the next period
-Ask your ct if you can create a lesson and try it out with one period (It is much easier to teach your own then trying to teach theirs)
-Try to get into this habit...EARLY!!! (BY THE BEGINNNG OF NOVEMBER)
Your students will get used to you being the "Teacher" and you will get used to being in front of the students, speaking aloud....No matter how good you think you are, you will sound like an idiot the first few times...Its okay......The only person that will remember that after your done is YOU! Bravo- for trying it.
If you do this stuff, early January when you start actually student teaching, you can jump right infor taking over classes...Trust me, it is a lot more fun then sitting back!!
5. Obtain Future lessons/materials from their folder or file draw for ideas for future lesson planning
6. Write down the Seating Chart a head of time so you can get to know your students
7. VERY IMPORTANT*
Visit OTHER TEACHERS..Listen, your teacher may be great but his/her style may not match yours. See as many different teachers (have your CT help you schedule this with others! You will get tips/tricks and possibly observe styles that make more sense to you. You will not have the opportunity to do this while student teaching or if you get a job. Learn, Observe and if you think about it...Its also a nice way for teachers to get to know who you are in the school.
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
You will have a Unit Plan to complete. Here is the deal......Look at the syllabus and speak with your CT. Find out what exactly you will be teaching the 2nd-3rd week you are going to be teaching by yourself the full period. (The first 2 weeks you will probably be co-teaching, or partically teaching so dont waste your unit plan topic for that time)
Strategically pick the topic for the 3rd week you will be teaching. You will want something that is planned out to follow opposed to writing lessons from scratch during student teaching when you are grading, and being busy busy busy!
Here is the honesty part.. ...You will put something together and in your mind wil; think that it is perfecto! It will not be. You need to be flexible. Know that your unit is a backbone but do not settle with it. Try it one period, tweak it the next for what didnt work. The timing thing....wil be way off. Your lessons will be a lot longer than what you have time for. Students will ask questions, your activites will take more time than you think they will. ITS OKAY. Just be flexible! Know that this is a backbone only....You will tweak, etc but at least it is there for your support.
WHAT IS KEY: That when you are done, you take the time to revise your lessson. After each period, or next prep, I would sit down and revise my activity hand outs, lesson plan or power point immediately after so that the next time I teach it, the quirks would be fixed.
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...."
My activity hand outs and lesson plans written 2 weeks in advance at all times. There were times this year that I would put something together the night before or two days before and it did work because that is how I operate BUT...this doesnt work for everyone especialy those who are still undergraduates who are not used to working a full-time job.
If you have your powerpoint slides, your activity hand outs and lessons printed, prepared for AT LEAST the following week (Buy yourself a milk crate style box at staples with hanging folders labeled Monday-Friday)...YOU WILL BE MUCH LESS STRESSED OUT!
What I would have done differently- I would dedicate one day in the fall (take a few hours) and create a lesson plan. By the time you start student teaching you will have an idea of what you would like to do. If you do not have time to write a full lesson plan with a full time schedule of classes or a job...then at least take each topic you will teach (using the syllabus), break it down to subtopics, look at the GSEs and start brainstorming activities/lessons that you will use during that topic. Use a planning calender and the text book to see how long each unit can be and what the text book covers...Then you will have a good idea of how many lessons you need to create for each unit.
The second thing I would have done in SEPTEMBER....IS RELAX!!!!!!!!!
I was mentally stressing myself out about this experience. Not about the amount of work but "Will I be a good teacher and "What If I screw up" , etc, etc, etc.....Dont stress yourself out...You will be fine....This will be one of the most amazing experiences you will have....Again if you follow my 7 tips of advice in section "A" then you will be just great!!!
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?